NOT HAPPY ABOUT CUTS IN FORCES

Chronicle (Levin), 22 November 1947, Page 4

NOT HAPPY ABOUT CUTS IN FORCES

"It would almost seem that the ^rmed forces reductions in Britain are beginnjng to lead us into the same position as after the South African War and the last war. Economies haye got to be made, but I feel that the forces should be among the last to be cut." This opinion was given by Lieui tenant-General Sir Oliver Leese, formerly commander of the Eighth Army. Wiih Lady Leese, Sir Oliver is spending a holiday in New Zealand as the guest of the Government and of the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C. He had been out of the Army and farming for the last year, said General Leese, and he felt hesitant in passing any opinion on the reductions. It did seem, however, that the same straws were blowing , in the wind — the prospect of weak forces in the unhappy event pf another war. Asked how the demobilised men were fitting into civilian life, Sir Oliver said there would always be jobs for young, keen men, but other men— ".chaps over - '40" — posed a serious pr.oblem. They had -their pensions, but taxation . fell most heavily on people living on fixed incomes. There was a great future on the land in England for young men prepared to study the theory of farming. Goyernment courses were available and these were very good. Sir Oliver added that he was iooking forw.ard to inspecting New Zealapfl farms apd studying farming methods here. . — 1 . L1 V